AUTHOR'S PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
A CRADLE OF CHINESE CMLIZATION
Physical Features of the Beijing Area
Dawn of the Stone Age
THE BRILLIANCE OF ANCIENT YAN CMLIZATION
Bronze Civilization
Ji-Capital of the State of Yan
IMPORTANT STRONGHOLD UNDER THE QIN,HAN, SHI, AND TANG DYNASTIES
North China Stronghold
Capital of Three Yan Regimes
THE ETHNIC MINORITIES MAKE BEIJING THEIR CAPITAL
Southern Capital Under the Liao Dynasty
Middle Capital Under the Jurchen Dynasty
CAMBALUC OF THE MONGOL EMPIRE
The Great Capital of Kublai Khan
Some Features of Dadu
Flourishing Commerce
Science, Technology and Culture
Cultural Exchange with Other Countries
BEIJING UNDER THE MING AND QING DYNASTIES
The City and the Palaces
The Four City Walls
The Forbidden City:
Layout and Philosophy
Imperial Gardens
Gardens Within the Forbidden City
Other Imperial Gardens and Parks
The Three Scenic Hills and Five Gardens
The Life of Emperors and Empresses
Ascending the Throne
The Royal Wedding
Administration of the Empire
The Worship of Gods
The Emperor's Studies
Life Style
Imperial Mausoleums
Culture and Art
Education
Science and Technology
Literature
Drama
Compilation of Books
Painting
Calligraphy
Special Handicrafts
Porcelain
The "Square Courtyards".
The Separate Communities
The Business District Outside the Three Front Gates
The Mansions of Princes
Beijing's Residential Courtyards
The Life and Customs of Beijing's Residents
A Brief Chronology of Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties
A Brief Chronology of Beijing
Epilogue
